Now a veteran Astro, Josh Reddick eyes offensive revival

Solid offensively during the Astros’ 2017 championship season, Josh Reddick saw his .314/.363/.484 slash line dip to .242/.318/.400 in 2018.

Photo: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff / Staff Photographer

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — It seems like more than two years since Josh Reddick took his spot in the Astros’ clubhouse at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches for the first time. The facility was new to the Astros, who had just moved their spring training base, and the Astros were new to Reddick, who had signed a four-year deal as a free agent.

Reddick sat in front of his locker at the end of the row of outfielders in 2017, eager to get things started with a team he was confident could win the World Series. Though outgoing and energetic, he held back a bit while learning more about his Astros teammates and the franchise.

He was eight years into his career and had just turned 30. But he felt a little torn about being called a veteran among the likes of Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann.

On Sunday, as Reddick prepared to play in his first exhibition game of 2019, those beginnings with the Astros seemed far away.

Reddick is no longer a new guy in the clubhouse. Instead, he’s a well-respected and well-liked staple on the team.

While he’s had his ups and downs on the field — from hitting .314 in the 2017 championship season to being irked by offensive woes that saw him hit .242 in 2018 — Reddick has found a comfort level with the Astros. Recapturing the magic of two years ago would help him avoid feeling uncomfortable.

In addition to last year’s 72-point dip in batting average, Reddick saw his on-base percentage fall from .363 to .318 and his slugging percentage sink from .484 to .400. He did up his home run count from 13 to 17, but his doubles total plummeted from 34 to 13.

Reddick hasn’t wasted time making excuses. Instead, he immediately got to work on his swing when spring training started.

Before his 2019 Grapefruit League debut on Sunday, he wasn’t looking for immediate results.

“It’s more about feeling right in the box,” said Reddick, who batted second. “And about seeing pitches and putting good swings on balls. If I come out at least barreling one ball, I’ll call that a win.”

Call it a win-win. Reddick got things going for the Astros in their 5-2 victory over the Braves, doubling to right field in the first inning off Mike Foltynewicz and scoring the game’s first run.

Reddick finished 1-for-3 at the plate. He played three innings in right field and one in center before calling it a day.

Even though Reddick, 32, is entering his 11th major league season, he doesn’t dismiss the importance of every opportunity at spring training. It’s about working on his game, which included hitting off a tee at the start of camp.

It’s also about keeping alive and well the camaraderie and chemistry the Astros have built the last two seasons. Reddick had a big offseason, marrying longtime love Jett. He was excited to get back with the Astros and catch up on how his teammates’ time off went.

“I see very few of these guys in the offseason because we all go back to wherever we set up camp, and even for the guys who base ourselves in Houston, we don’t cross paths a lot,” Reddick said. “So it’s always good to see guys when you come back.

“It’s like a family. These guys are my brothers.”

Reddick is pleased to have a new baseball brother in his midst. The Astros acquired outfielder Michael Brantley via free agency, and Reddick has enjoyed getting to know the new addition.

“I already know what he can do on the field,” Reddick said of the three-time All-Star and career .295 hitter. “Now it’s been fun getting to know him. We will have lockers next to each other the next couple of years and (will be) working together a lot. So far, I really like him. We get along great.”

Brantley gives the Astros more regularity in the outfield, where George Springer and Reddick have been set pieces for the last two seasons. That leaves Tony Kemp and Jake Marisnick vying for a final outfield spot.

“There’s competition, and there are options,” Reddick said. “That’s a good thing for us.”

The outfield is just one area where the Astros look solid. Across the board, the team is coming together nicely for 2019, and Reddick could be an indispensable part if his offensive performance matches his positivity in the clubhouse.

He’s already a fan favorite on one of the most fan-friendly teams in the majors, thanks to his love of Spider-Man and WWE wrestling. Because of the latter, the crowd at Minute Maid Park “woos” him every time he steps to the plate.

And because of his experience, demeanor and sheer love of competition, Reddick has become a leader among his teammates.

This a big season for the veteran. So was the one two years ago when he was entering the Astros clubhouse as the new guy.

“It seems like it’s been much longer than that,” Reddick said. “It’s exciting to be back, to catch up with these guys and joke around and be ourselves again like we could last year.

“It signals that baseball is right around the corner, and it’s time to get back to work. And I’m ready for it.”